Celebrating their 30th anniversary while looking towards the future, iconic band Ricochet releases their first album in over 10 years – Ricochet Then & Now…The Hits & More – today, August 18. The 16-track album features some of the band’s biggest hits along with several new songs – an incredible collection for fans old and new alike.
“Getting to go back into the studio and not only record new songs that our fans have been wanting was a blast, but getting to re-record some of our classics to include was a huge bonus,” shares original bandmember and lead vocalist Heath Wright. “We wanted to bring our fans a fresh new sound, yet stay true to our original style they love. I hope everyone enjoys “Then & Now” as much as we enjoyed making it!”
An older tune that’s making its album debut is the Patriotic track “Freedom Isn’t Free” written by founding Ricochet members Greg Cook and Eddie Kilgallon. Positioning this song as the final track was a very poignant decision; as the last song heard, the lyrics stay with you and is a solemn reminder that we are not to take our freedoms and the sacrifices that have been made for us to be free for granted – a message that is much needed today:
This land we love, this flag we honor
Came at a cost, our sons and daughters
On battle fields, and fields of clover
They fought and died, shoulder to shoulder
Why? ‘Cause freedom isn’t free
They paid the price for you and me
They give their lives for liberty
Freedom isn’t free
“Freedom Isn’t Free” pretty much says it all,” says Wright. “So many things are taken for granted in this country and it’s important to sit back and reflect on how we are still the greatest country. No, we aren’t perfect, but we are free…..not everyone can say that. So many paid the ultimate sacrifice and we should never forget that and everything they went through to keep us free.”
Listen to the Exclusive Premiere of “Freedom Isn’t Free” here:
While the band has gone through several members throughout the last three decades, their iconic harmonies have never changed, keeping Ricochet as one of the most adored and hard-working bands in the business. Wright has maintained Ricochet’s spot in country music and their fan base with heavy-date filled tour schedules over the past 20 years. He’s joined by current band members Chris Hempfling (vocals, drums), Rick Toops (vocals, keys), Bruce Bennett (vocals, bass), and Larry Hight (vocals, rhythm/lead guitar, steel, dobro, and saxophone).
Ricochet Then & Now…The Hits & More is available here.
In partnership with The Wounded Blue, receive a free copy of the album with a $20 donation. Click here to donate.
For more information on Ricochet, visit their website ricochetonline.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Ricochet Then & Now…The Hits & More Track Listing:
THEN:
What Do I Know
Daddy’s Money
Love Is Stronger Than Pride
He Left A Lot To Be Desired
What You Leave Behind
That’s Love
NOW:
Keep You Lovin’ Me
No Wrong Way
It’s Gonna Be Something
The Beauty of Who You Are
Feel Like Fallin’
I Knew
I Had To Be
Sweet Tea
Freedom Isn’t Free